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102 Things I Have Learned About Street Photography

It now has been around 5 years that I have been shooting street photography- and I have learned an incredible amount through trial and failure. I made this recent list of things I have learned while shooting street photography– and some of my personal opinions. Remember, take everything in this list with a grain of salt! I simply made this list as both a way for me to self-reflect, and hopefully you can find some of these tips helpful.

The best response to internet trolls who criticize your work (without helpful critique) is to ignore them completely

If you have the opportunity, don’t just settle for one photograph. Take multiple photographs if possible. “Killers shoot twice” – Thomas Leuthard

If you don’t ask for critiques, nobody will ever give it to you

If you are going to ask someone for permission for a photograph, always preface your question with, “I know this may sound weird, but…”. Works like a charm.

If you don’t make time to go out and shoot, you will never go out and shoot.

Learn to judge distances well- so you can prefocus before you anticipate the shot (1.2 meters is roughly two arms-lengths, and 3 meters is roughly half the distance of a room)

76. Spend less time arguing over the definition of street photography, and go out and shoot more 77. You only remember 5-10 photographs from some of the most famous street photographers who have ever lived. Aim to take 5-10 great photographs before you die. 78. Photography is incredibly difficult 79. If people notice you taking a photograph of you, tell them, “Ignore me—pretend like you don’t see me” and most people will laugh it off and continue doing what they were doing 80. If confronted by a person on why you took their photograph, take a step toward them and be open and honest about your intentions. Stand your ground and know your rights. 81. Simplify your photographs. Less is more. 82. Don’t put watermarks on your photographs. It cheapens your work. 83. Street photographs don’t sell 84. Travel as often as you can to open up your views to the rest of the world and society 85. Always carry an extra memory card and battery (in war two is one and one is none)

Don’t always hunt for shots—if you are patient enough, they will come to you

Shoot at ISO 1600 or above (keep your shutter above 250ths/second)

f/8 and be there

Black cameras draw less attention to you

It is more interesting to take photos of rich people than poor people

Never delete any of your photographs (you can rediscover hidden gems later in the future)